March 8, 2012 // 12:34 am - Following up on our previous article, today Engadget (linked above) reports that Sony's PlayStation Suite will be open to all developers beginning in April with PS Vita support followed by a full SDK coming afterwards.

The PS Suite SDK will allow licensed developers to create and run performance testing on all PlayStation-certified Android smartphones and tablets as well as the PS Vita.

This SDK Beta will be free of charge, while the official version will come later this year and require a $99 annual subscription in return for allowing devs to make their wares commercially available on Sony's platform.

Below is the official Sony Press Release, as follows:

Sony Computer Entertainment to Expand PlayStation Suite by Further Strengthening Support for Content Development

Open Beta Version of SDK to be Released in April, Official Version to be Released Later This Year

TOKYO, March 7, 2012 PRNewswire - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that it will release the open beta version of PlayStation Suite SDK *(1) to content developers in April 2012 and the official version later this year. Through the introduction of these SDKs, SCE will offer a more streamlined content development environment for content developers - from large game development companies to small, independent shops - and further expand the world of PlayStation to open operating system based portable devices.

In November 2011, SCE released the closed beta version of PlayStation Suite SDK to limited content developers in Japan, United States and the United Kingdom. The upcoming open beta version incorporates their feedback and will dramatically enhance convenience and efficiency of the content development environment.

The phased rollout of the open beta version will start in April 2012 free of charge and expand target countries beyond Japan, United States and the United Kingdom. Developers will also be able to conduct performance verification of their content developed with the open beta version on PlayStation Vita.

SCE will also release the official version of PlayStation Suite SDK at $99 US annually later this year, allowing content developers to have their content distributed through the PlayStation Store*(2) on a commercial basis. Through the official version, content developers will also be able to seamlessly continue to develop content which was created with the open beta or the closed beta versions.

Furthermore, SCE will be adding content for PlayStation Suite in Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Australia. The phased rollout of the update will start later this year. The phased rollout will include improving the PlayStation Suite presence on PlayStation Store for users who want to enjoy a variety of content with ease and convenience on their PlayStation Certified devices. SCE will also deliver content created through the official version of PlayStation Suite SDK after the necessary procedure is completed.

Through PlayStation Suite, SCE will deploy various measures to support content developers in their business, and expand the PlayStation entertainment experience on an open operating system.

*(1) Software Development Kit is a set of development tools and software libraries. Developers are able to obtain this SDK by signing a license agreement with SCE.
*(2) Users can download vast digital content including games through PlayStation Store for PS3, PSP, PS Vita and PS Certified devices.
*(3) Model name may vary by region.

To quote: Thank you very much for your interest in the Developer Program for PlayStation Suite (PS Suite). The Developer Program for PS Suite will provide content developers PlayStation Suite SDK (PS Suite SDK), a set of development tools and software libraries.

We will release the open beta version of PS Suite SDK to content developers in April 2012 and the official version later this year. Contents developed with the official version of PS Suite SDK will be distributed through PlayStation Store and can be enjoyed on PlayStation Certified devices, as well as PlayStation Vita.

I must say I am really surprised to see this - pleasantly surprised. I really think this is a win/win for Sony and their customers. If Sony produces an SDK that will allow me to write my own applications for the Vita, without any stupid restrictions like no access to the graphics chip or something dumb like that, I may actually purchase both the Vita & the SDK.

I'll hold out for a little while cause this is Sony after all, I'm just waiting for the catch. Assuming it works, I think this is fair and a really smart move (no pun intended) by Sony. They collect a small license fee, and I can write/install my own applications on the hardware I purchased. I like it. That would negate any need for custom firmware and finding exploits in my opinion.

I also think $100 is a fair asking price for an SDK/license. This will also help others learn, and possibly give them a foot in the door of a more established development house. Having more developers that want to support your ecosystem is beneficial to Sony.

They should drop the $100 annual fee to attract the home and student developers. Google only charges a one-time $25 fee, which is really only in place to discourage junk accounts. If they do this right, they can turn the homebrew community into a money maker. I'm curious to see how difficult it will be to port from Android to Vita.